Chamber still pushing for free parking in Bideford

Bideford Chamber of Commerce is campaigning for free parking in the town.

Archant

Chamber of Commerce asks council to take control of its car parks in a bid to drive people into the town.

THE Bideford and District Chamber of Commerce has told councillors it will continue to fight for barrier parking in the town.

At Bideford Town Council’s meeting yesterday (Thursday) Graham Blight, vice president of the chamber, said it was also pushing for two hour’s free parking.

He told councillors the chamber wanted to see the town council take a lead and take charge of council run car parks from Torridge.

“Car parking is the bane of the council but something needs to be done,” he said.

“If town councils were in charge if their own car parks they would be in charge of their own destiny.”

Councillors made a number of suggestions, including introducing 15 minutes’ free parking or free parking on one Saturday every month.

Cllr Anne Brenton added: “Parking is the issue which most affects the economic regeneration in market towns.

“We need to do something about the economy and parking is one of the big stumbling blocks, not just for our town but for every town.”

2 comments

I think the idea of free parking one Saturday per month is just messy and confusing,
outside visitors would be clueless to the fact and they are crucial to the economy of the town.
I don't think anyone minds paying for the amount of time used, and that a barrier system where you pay on leaving, would actually generate more income, as people wouldn't cut short their shopping trips if their tickets are about to run out.

Free parking is available on the Pill car park on a Saturday after 12.00 and all day Sunday.
In my view TDC should look closely at the services that are subsidised from the car park account should continue to be subsidised. I hope the Council will make this information in their budget papers if not a Councillor should ask. We all have to tighten our belts..